The Government would keep close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macao regarding the 14 Chinese citizen detained by Japan, including one local man.

A statement issued today by the Government Spokesman Ofifice said China had asked Japan to “immediately and unconditionally” release the 14 Chinese nationals illegally detained by Japan yesterday on one of the Diaoyu Islands.

Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had lodged solemn representations with Japan, it said.

The Government was monitoring developments closely and would co-ordinate with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR to secure the release of Macao man to return home safely.